Cultural Thursday Presents “24” and Ukraine with Mary Kharytonova

When Russia invaded her country on Feb. 24, 2022, Central Lakes College Ukrainian student Mary Kharytonova’s life changed forever. After spending a couple of weeks hiding in her home with her mom, the lack of food and medicine, and Russian troops getting closer, drove the pair to seek refuge in Poland.
In the dead of night, Mary (with a cat in her backpack and suitcases in hand), walked 9 miles with her mom and best friend to the Polish border.
After reaching the border, Mary eventually came to Minnesota, where she chose to study Graphic Design at CLC. Now in her second year at the college, Mary wanted to do something for her friends, family and those who are still in Ukraine.
Mary shares her reflections on her journey and co-authoring (with her friend Sofiia Vasylenko) the book “24”, a collection of 24 stories from Ukrainians who faced terrifying, tragic and hopeful situations since the war started.

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